BLACKPINK’s Rosé has teamed up with Bruno Mars for the song “A.P.T”, which has become a global sensation. The track debuted at #8 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, setting a new record for a K-pop female artist, and climbed to #2 on the UK Official Singles Chart. With its ongoing popularity, let’s dive into the story behind this hit song in today’s post.
Rosé’s “A.P.T”
Rosé’s new track “A.P.T” was released as a pre-release single ahead of her official comeback on December 6. The song will also be featured on her first full-length album, Rosie.
Released on October 18 alongside a music video, the song instantly took the charts by storm, securing the #1 spot on all major Korean music platforms. Internationally, it topped Spotify’s U.S. charts and claimed #1 in 40 regions on iTunes. As mentioned earlier, it made an explosive debut on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Official Singles Chart.
The music video, featuring Bruno Mars, gained attention for its playful and visually engaging storytelling. It surpassed 100 million views within just five days and is now approaching 430 million views.
The Inspiration Behind “A.P.T”
Interestingly, the song draws inspiration from a popular Korean drinking game called “A.P.T”. Rosé came up with the idea while teaching the game to her production team during a studio session. Inspired by the fun atmosphere, she started working on the song, which Bruno Mars later joined to complete.
The Drinking Game “A.P.T”
Korean drinking games are a unique cultural staple, often played to break the ice at gatherings. These games encourage laughter, bonding, and camaraderie over drinks. As a college student, I remember spending countless evenings with friends playing various drinking games—it’s fascinating that these traditions continue to thrive today.
The A.P.T game involves alternating hand movements while shouting a number. When a specific number is called (e.g., 5), participants stack their hands to form an apartment-like shape. The person whose hand lands in the specified position drinks as a penalty—a simple yet entertaining game.
With the success of Rosé’s “A.P.T”, the game has gone viral on social media, with international fans trying their hand at the challenge. If you’re curious, learning about Korean drinking games could be a fun cultural experience!
The Nostalgic Connection: Another “A.P.T”
Interestingly, the song title shares its name with a classic Korean hit from 1982, “A.P.T” by Yoon Soo-il. This nostalgic track has gained renewed attention thanks to Rosé’s success. Fans have even created internet memes, humorously linking the old song to the reconstruction of apartment buildings. Parodies and tributes by various influencers have added to the fun, amplifying its cultural impact.
Rosé’s “A.P.T” combines her status as a BLACKPINK member and Bruno Mars’ global appeal, but its deeper charm lies in its ties to Korean culture and its ability to inspire viral trends. If you haven’t heard the song yet, this is your sign to check it out—and maybe even try the A.P.T game yourself!
